Design Consultant
π Job Overview
Job Title: Design Consultant
Company: Gabriella White
Location: Atlanta, GA, US
Job Type: Full Time
Category: Retail Operations / Sales
Date Posted: 2026-09-08T21:08:00
Experience Level: 0-2 Years
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
-
Drive revenue growth by providing expert design consultations and luxury furniture sales within a high-end retail showroom environment.
-
Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships through personalized service, in-home visits, and a deep understanding of design principles and product offerings.
-
Leverage design expertise and sales acumen to translate client visions into beautifully crafted living spaces, enhancing the brand's reputation for timeless style.
-
Accurately manage client information and sales activities, ensuring data integrity within the CRM system to support operational efficiency and informed decision-making.
-
Contribute to a positive and collaborative showroom environment, upholding brand standards and supporting overall store performance through teamwork and dedication.
π Enhancement Note: This role blends direct sales with interior design consulting, focusing on a luxury retail segment. The emphasis on "furnishing life's best moments" and "timeless style" suggests a need for candidates who can articulate brand value and connect with clients on an emotional level, not just transactional. The integration of CRM and sales performance metrics indicates a strong operational component within the sales function.
π Primary Responsibilities
-
Engage clients in the showroom and through in-home consultations to understand their design needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
-
Develop and present tailored design solutions, recommending specific luxury furniture pieces and accessories from the Gabby and Summer Classics brands.
-
Manage the entire sales cycle from initial consultation to closing, ensuring a seamless and exceptional client experience.
-
Build and nurture long-term client relationships, fostering loyalty and repeat business through proactive communication and follow-up.
-
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of product lines, design trends, fabrics, finishes, and company promotions to effectively advise clients.
-
Accurately record all client interactions, sales activities, and order details in the designated CRM system (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or a proprietary system).
-
Collaborate with showroom management and team members to maintain showroom presentation standards, product merchandising, and overall store aesthetics.
-
Participate in ongoing training sessions to enhance product knowledge, design skills, and sales techniques.
-
Contribute to achieving and exceeding individual and team sales targets and performance metrics.
-
Assist with administrative tasks related to sales orders, delivery coordination, and client issue resolution as needed.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on sales performance and design execution. The mention of "in-home design consultations" and "space planning software" indicates a need for hands-on design work beyond typical retail sales. The requirement to manage client information in a CRM system points to the importance of data management and operational efficiency in tracking sales pipelines and customer interactions.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
-
A background in design, business, marketing, or a related field is a significant advantage.
-
Formal education in interior design or a related discipline is preferred but not strictly required if equivalent experience is demonstrated. Experience:
-
Minimum of one (1) year of experience in interior design, luxury retail sales, or a client-facing sales role with a focus on high-value products.
-
Proven track record of successful sales performance and client relationship management. Required Skills:
-
Strong understanding of interior design principles, color theory, space planning, and furniture styles.
-
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with a diverse clientele.
-
Proficiency in luxury product sales, with a natural ability to sell high-end items and articulate their value.
-
Competency in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for communication and basic task management.
-
Familiarity with iPad usage and the ability to quickly learn new software systems.
-
Demonstrated ability to understand and effectively utilize space planning software (e.g., RoomSketcher or similar tools).
-
Creative problem-solving skills, with a positive and professional demeanor.
-
Flexibility to work weekends regularly and attend special events as needed.
-
Confidence and a genuine passion for beautiful spaces and interior design. Preferred Skills:
-
Direct experience with interior design software or CAD programs.
-
Experience selling furniture or home decor in a luxury segment.
-
Knowledge of fabrics, finishes, and material properties relevant to furniture and interior design.
-
Demonstrated ability to drive sales through personalized client consultations and home visits.
-
Experience managing client information and sales activities within a CRM system (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot).
π Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level suggests that while formal design degrees are beneficial, practical experience and demonstrated aptitude in sales and client interaction are highly valued. The emphasis on "selling luxury products feels natural" and "confidence, style, and genuine passion" indicates a need for candidates with strong soft skills and a client-centric approach, alongside technical design knowledge.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
-
Showcase a minimum of 1-2 distinct design projects that demonstrate your ability to translate client needs into cohesive interior designs.
-
Include examples of space planning or layout visualizations, highlighting your understanding of spatial dynamics and furniture placement.
-
Present case studies of client interactions that illustrate your consultation process, problem-solving approach, and successful outcomes.
-
Highlight your ability to select and integrate furniture and accessories to create a specific aesthetic or functional space.
-
Demonstrate your understanding of various design styles (e.g., transitional, eclectic) relevant to Gabriella White's brands. Process Documentation:
-
Outline your typical process for conducting an initial client consultation, from discovery questions to understanding needs.
-
Detail your approach to developing and presenting design proposals, including how you incorporate product selections and rationale.
-
Describe your methods for managing client follow-up and post-sale engagement to ensure satisfaction and foster repeat business.
-
Explain how you would use CRM tools to track client interactions, sales progress, and project status.
-
Illustrate your workflow for managing sales orders, from initial quote to delivery confirmation, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
π Enhancement Note: While this is not a traditional operations role, the emphasis on "accurate and consistent management of client information and sales activity within the CRM system" and "contribution to showroom standards and teamwork that supports overall store performance" implies a need for candidates who understand and can adhere to established operational processes. A portfolio demonstrating these aspects, alongside design work, would be highly beneficial.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
-
Based on industry benchmarks for Design Consultants in Atlanta, GA, with 0-2 years of experience, and considering the commission structure, an estimated base hourly rate could range from $18 - $25 per hour.
-
Total compensation, including commission and potential sales bonuses, could realistically range from $50,000 - $75,000+ annually, depending on sales performance and market conditions. Benefits:
-
Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
-
401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match after 12 months of employment.
-
Paid time off including sick days, vacation days, and holidays.
-
Paid parental leave to support new parents.
-
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential counseling and support services.
-
Chaplain Services available for emotional and spiritual well-being.
-
Generous Employee Product Purchase discount on Gabriella White's luxury furniture and accessories.
-
Sales bonus opportunities and monthly incentives tied to performance. Working Hours:
-
Full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week.
-
Flexibility is essential: This role requires regular weekend availability and participation in special events as needed to meet client demand and showroom operational requirements.
π Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical retail sales roles with a commission component in a major metropolitan area like Atlanta. The "hourly plus commission, with sales bonus opportunities" structure indicates that base pay is supplemented significantly by performance-based earnings. The inclusion of comprehensive benefits, alongside specialized support like EAP and Chaplain Services, reflects a commitment to employee well-being common in established retail organizations.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Retail (Furniture & Home Decor), Luxury Goods, Manufacturing
Company Size: Gabriella White operates multiple brands (Gabby and Summer Classics), indicating a mid-sized to large organization within the furniture industry. The family-owned nature since 1987 suggests a blend of established business practices with a potentially close-knit, value-driven culture.
Founded: 1987, signifying a long-standing presence and experience in the furniture and design market.
Team Structure:
-
The Design Consultant will likely be part of a showroom sales team, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Director.
-
This role requires close collaboration with other sales consultants, design associates, and potentially showroom support staff.
-
Cross-functional collaboration might extend to marketing teams for product launches or events, and operations/logistics for order fulfillment. Methodology:
-
Data-driven Sales: Emphasis on achieving sales goals and managing client interactions through CRM systems.
-
Customer-Centric Design: Focus on personalized service and creating client-specific design solutions.
-
Brand Storytelling: Communicating the heritage and values of Gabby and Summer Classics.
-
Collaborative Environment: Encouraging teamwork, shared learning, and mutual support within the showroom.
Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=50ebad87-fc82-464e-91d1-fa1244aeb526
π Enhancement Note: The company's core values (Dedication, Enthusiasm, Synergy, Integrity, Goal-Oriented, Nimble - DESIGN) provide a strong framework for understanding the desired employee mindset. These values suggest a dynamic, results-oriented team that also prioritizes positive relationships and ethical conduct. The "family-owned" aspect often implies a culture that values loyalty and employee development.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to mid-level sales and design role. It is client-facing and directly impacts revenue generation through sales performance. The "Consultant" title implies a level of expertise and advisory capacity beyond basic sales.
Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Showroom Manager or Retail Sales Manager. This manager oversees sales performance, client satisfaction, and showroom operations.
Operations Impact:
-
Directly drives revenue through sales of luxury furniture and accessories.
-
Influences customer perception of the brand through design expertise and personalized service.
-
Contributes to operational efficiency through accurate CRM data entry and sales process adherence.
-
Provides valuable client feedback that can inform product development and marketing strategies. Growth Opportunities:
-
Senior Design Consultant/Specialist: Advanced roles focusing on complex design projects, high-net-worth clients, or specialized product lines.
-
Showroom Management: Progression into leadership roles such as Assistant Showroom Manager or Showroom Manager, overseeing operations and sales teams.
-
Sales Management: Moving into higher-level sales leadership positions within the retail division.
-
Design/Merchandising: Opportunities to contribute to showroom visual merchandising, product selection, or even brand styling.
-
Brand Ambassador: Representing the company at industry events or in marketing initiatives.
π Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Consultant in this environment is strongly tied to sales performance and client relationship management, with clear avenues for advancement into management or specialized design roles. The company's growth implies potential for expanding responsibilities and career opportunities.
π Work Environment
Office Type: This is a retail showroom environment. Candidates should expect to work in a customer-facing setting designed to showcase luxury furniture and accessories.
Office Location(s): Atlanta, GA (specific showroom address not provided, but within the 30318 zip code area).
Workspace Context:
-
The primary workspace will be a beautifully designed, inspiring showroom environment.
-
This role involves significant time spent on the showroom floor interacting with clients and presenting products.
-
Regular "in-home design consultations" will require travel to clients' residences within the local service area.
-
Access to design resources, product samples, fabric swatches, and potentially design software on iPads or workstations.
-
A collaborative atmosphere with a team focused on sales, design, and customer experience. Work Schedule:
-
Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.
-
Crucially, requires regular weekend availability as this is standard for retail operations.
-
May also involve working during special events, promotions, or showroom openings, which could include evenings or holidays.
π Enhancement Note: The work environment is hands-on, visually stimulating, and client-focused. Candidates must be comfortable working in a retail setting, engaging directly with customers, and traveling for consultations. The need for weekend work is a standard expectation in this industry.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
-
Initial Screening: A brief phone or video call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.
-
In-Person Interview: Likely involves meeting with the Showroom Manager or Hiring Manager. This stage may include:
- Behavioral questions assessing problem-solving, communication, and client interaction skills.
- Situational questions about handling challenging clients or design dilemmas.
- Discussion about your design philosophy and passion for the brands.
-
Design/Sales Challenge: You may be asked to:
- Present a mock design consultation based on a provided scenario.
- Showcase your portfolio and walk through a specific project, explaining your process and results.
- Demonstrate your ability to use space planning tools or present product recommendations.
-
Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or HR representative to finalize the offer.
Portfolio Review Tips:
-
Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best align with Gabriella White's aesthetic (timeless, luxury, transitional, eclectic).
-
Show Your Process: Clearly articulate your design process from client brief to final outcome, including any challenges faced and how you overcame them. Use visuals (sketches, mood boards, 3D renderings, photos) to illustrate each stage.
-
Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible. For sales-related projects, mention sales figures, client satisfaction, or repeat business. For design projects, focus on how the design met client objectives.
-
Demonstrate Software Proficiency: If applicable, include examples of your work using space planning software like RoomSketcher.
-
Tailor to the Role: Emphasize any experience with luxury retail, furniture sales, or direct client consulting.
-
Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.
Challenge Preparation:
-
Practice Consultations: Role-play with a friend or colleague, simulating client interactions and design discussions.
-
Know the Brands: Thoroughly research Gabby and Summer Classics. Understand their history, design ethos, product range, and target clientele.
-
Prepare Your "Why": Be ready to articulate why you are passionate about interior design, luxury retail, and specifically Gabriella White.
-
Anticipate Sales Scenarios: Think about how you would handle objections, upsell, and close a sale in a luxury context.
-
Refine Your Pitch: Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and compellingly, focusing on your contributions and the results achieved.
π Enhancement Note: Given the blend of design and sales, expect interview questions and potential challenges that assess both skill sets. A strong portfolio that showcases design capability and a clear understanding of sales processes and client management will be key. Demonstrating an understanding of the company's brands and values will be critical for cultural fit.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
-
CRM System: Likely a platform like Salesforce, HubSpot, or a proprietary system for managing client data, sales pipelines, and customer interactions. Proficiency in CRM is essential for operational tracking.
-
Microsoft Office Suite: Word for client communications, Excel for basic data analysis or tracking, Outlook for scheduling and email.
-
iPad/Tablet Devices: Used for presentations, accessing design software, client management tools, and potentially order entry in the showroom.
-
Space Planning Software: Familiarity with tools such as RoomSketcher is explicitly mentioned. Other similar software used for 2D/3D layout design may also be relevant.
Analytics & Reporting:
-
While not a primary analytics role, the Design Consultant will likely interact with sales reports and performance dashboards generated by the CRM or other internal systems.
-
Understanding key sales metrics (e.g., conversion rates, average transaction value, sales volume) will be important for performance tracking. CRM & Automation:
-
CRM: As mentioned, a core tool for managing sales processes and client data.
-
Point of Sale (POS) System: May be used for processing transactions and managing inventory.
-
Internal Communication Tools: Platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams might be used for team collaboration.
π Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on sales enablement and client management. Proficiency in a CRM system is crucial for operational data integrity and sales performance tracking. Familiarity with design visualization tools is also a key requirement.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
-
DESIGN (Dedication, Enthusiasm, Synergy, Integrity, Goal-Oriented, Nimble): These are the guiding principles. Expect a team that is passionate about their work, committed to client success, works collaboratively, operates with honesty, strives for results, and adapts quickly to changes.
-
Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on providing exceptional client experiences, building relationships, and exceeding expectations.
-
Quality & Craftsmanship: Appreciation for high-quality luxury products and attention to detail in both design and service.
-
Teamwork: Collaboration is key, both within the sales team and across departments, to ensure a cohesive client journey.
Collaboration Style:
-
Client-Centric: All interactions, whether internal or external, are geared towards achieving the best outcome for the client.
-
Supportive: Team members are expected to support each other in achieving sales targets and providing excellent customer service.
-
Open Communication: Encouragement of sharing ideas, feedback, and best practices to improve overall showroom performance.
-
Proactive Problem-Solving: A collective approach to addressing challenges and finding efficient solutions.
π Enhancement Note: The company's articulated values suggest a positive, high-energy work environment where individual contributions are valued within a team framework. Success is likely driven by a combination of individual sales prowess and a commitment to collective goals and company principles.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
-
Balancing Sales Quotas and Design Consultation: Meeting aggressive sales targets while dedicating sufficient time to in-depth design consultations and home visits can be demanding.
-
Managing Client Expectations: Clients in the luxury market often have high expectations; managing these effectively, especially when design or product limitations arise, requires skill.
-
Staying Current: Keeping up-to-date with the extensive product lines of Gabby and Summer Classics, as well as evolving design trends, requires continuous learning.
-
Weekend and Event Work: The requirement for regular weekend availability and participation in special events can impact work-life balance.
-
Competition: Working in a competitive luxury retail market requires constant effort to differentiate service and build strong client loyalty.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
-
Product Knowledge Expansion: Deep dives into the full range of Gabby and Summer Classics products, including materials, craftsmanship, and design inspiration.
-
Sales Technique Enhancement: Training on consultative selling, closing techniques, and building long-term client relationships in a luxury context.
-
Design Skill Development: Opportunities to refine space planning abilities, explore new design trends, and receive guidance from more experienced designers.
-
CRM and Technology Training: Mastering the company's sales and design software to improve efficiency and client management.
-
Mentorship: Potential to learn from seasoned sales professionals and design leaders within the organization.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for high-performance sales and design roles. Growth opportunities are clearly linked to mastering the product, sales process, and design consultation skills, with potential for advancement into leadership or specialized roles.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
-
"Describe your design philosophy. How do you approach creating a space that reflects a client's personality and lifestyle?" (Prepare to discuss your approach, potentially using examples.)
-
"Walk me through your process for a typical client consultation, from initial meeting to closing the sale." (Focus on structure, client engagement, and problem-solving.)
-
"How do you handle a situation where a client loves a product but it doesn't quite fit their space or budget?" (Demonstrate creative problem-solving and alternative solutions.)
-
"Tell me about a time you successfully built a lasting relationship with a client." (Highlight communication, follow-up, and exceeding expectations.)
-
"How do you stay updated on interior design trends and new product knowledge?" (Show commitment to continuous learning.) Company & Culture Questions:
-
"Why are you interested in Gabriella White and our brands, Gabby and Summer Classics?" (Research the brands thoroughly and articulate your genuine interest.)
-
"How do the company values (DESIGN) resonate with your own work ethic?" (Be prepared to give specific examples of how you embody these values.)
-
"Describe your ideal work environment. What kind of team do you thrive in?" (Align your answer with the collaborative, goal-oriented culture described.)
-
"How do you manage your time effectively to balance showroom duties, client consultations, and administrative tasks?" (Showcase organizational skills and prioritization.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
-
Tell a Story: Frame each project as a narrative β the client's challenge, your solution, and the successful outcome.
-
Quantify Impact: If possible, include sales figures, client satisfaction scores, or other metrics that demonstrate your contribution.
-
Highlight Process: Clearly explain your design process, including space planning, material selection, and how you integrated products.
-
Showcase Brand Alignment: Emphasize how your designs align with the aesthetic and quality of Gabby and Summer Classics.
-
Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, client interactions, and sales approach.
π Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate not just your design skills but also your sales acumen and understanding of the luxury retail environment. Demonstrating how you can contribute to the operational success of the showroom (e.g., CRM usage, teamwork) will be as important as your design flair.
π Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
-
Submit your application through the ADP recruitment portal link provided.
-
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in interior design, luxury retail sales, client relationship management, and any CRM or space planning software proficiency. Use keywords from the job description.
-
Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your best design projects, focusing on those that demonstrate your ability to create beautiful, functional spaces and your understanding of sales principles. Ensure it includes examples of space planning and client consultation.
-
Research Gabriella White: Familiarize yourself with the Gabby and Summer Classics brands, their design aesthetic, history, and company values. Understand what makes them distinct in the luxury furniture market.
-
Practice Your Presentation: Be ready to discuss your portfolio and respond to interview questions regarding your design process, sales approach, and how you embody the company's core values.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have at least one year of experience in design or high-end retail and a strong understanding of interior aesthetics and space planning. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and space planning software is required, along with the ability to work weekends and maintain a professional, creative approach.